Loving all the pics I feel like I am there with you right now.
I am SOOO JEALOUS of you getting that free SLR. Just kidding ... I don't think anyone could much deserve one more, judging by your great love for photography. You are going to LOVE it. I just bought my first SLR ... Canon XTI about a month ago ... my advice to you ... get a good lens. My first lens was a 50mm f/1.8. It is an extremely fast lens and can take amazing shots in low-light conditions, which seems to be a current issue for you. If you are are looking for a lens for low light, get a lens with a low f value (i.e. a large maximum aperture) that is fixed (if it is a zoom lens). Low f value meaning 2.8 or lower. Anyway, I am rambling over here, I loved your update!!!!